But what she got instead, she beams, was like "a dream come true". Rather than send back a signed photo, the young girl from Brentwood, Essex, got an extra-special personal visit and a chance to cuddle her favourite celebrity.

But sadly it wasn't at the home she shares with her loving parents and little brother, it was in hospital.

It means she's spent most of her young life at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where the specialist doctors work round the clock to treat her.

Just four weeks ago Tilly suffered a near-fatal heart attack and she was given just 12 hours to live. But thankfully she fought back - just one of the many miraculous recoveries she's made so far.

Looking into the eyes of his young fan, big-hearted Peter Andre, whispers: "You, Tilly, are an inspiration to me."

Explaining his visit, he says: "There is something magic about Tilly. She has been through so much in her life and has been so strong."

Great Ormond Street has a special place in Peter's heart and he knows first hand of the amazing work carried out by the dedicated staff.

His eight-year-old stepson Harvey, from his marriage to Kate Price, has been treated here since birth. Partially blind, Harvey suffers from septo-optic dysplasia, a growth condition affecting his nervous system.

He is on the autistic spectrum, gains weight easily, and finds walking difficult.

Pete reveals: "Being back here at Great Ormond Street brings back goosebumps for me. I stayed here at the hospital every day with Harvey for around three to four weeks back in 2007 when he accidentally burned his legs in the bath.

"Kate was heavily pregnant with Princess at the time so I sent her home and I stayed with Harvey 24/7. "We were both looked after so well and it was important that I was able to stay in a bed in his room the entire time.

"Everyone here is so kind and they look out for each other. I gained lots of support from the other parents and we encouraged each other, something I can see still happening on the wards today.

"The care kids receive here is amazing, world class, and often it feels like the nurses look after the parents just as well, acting as counsellors as well as everything else. I'm glad to help the hospital in any way I can."

Blisters During his visit the 38-year-old star pops in to see some of the other poorly children on the wards.

Next door to Tilly is 13-yearold Hannah McKandie, from Aberdeen. She is proof that children from all over the UK and the world are brought to Great Ormond Street for pioneering treatment as she makes the 1,000-mile round trip every six months.

Hannah suffers from a very rare and painful skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, which means it blisters severely and she needs special dressings changing every day.

She explains: "I can't eat and I've even had blisters in my eyes. It's very hard to sleep because of the pain.

"I just want to live a normal life and I try my best to but it's hard. And the worst thing is that I know there is no cure."

His eyes welling with tears, Pete admits he is "blown away" by Hannah's courage and determination.

"I just want you to be happy Hannah," he tells her.

She smiles cheekily: "Well I think laughter is the best medicine.

So tell us some jokes!" Next up Pete makes a visit to the playroom where he finds 10-year-old Rebecca Ailles, of St Albans, Herts, and six-year-old Kya Wise, from Buntingford, also Herts.

Pete has recently written a new range of Ladybird children's books and is keen to drop off a box full for the little ones to enjoy.

He explains: "I'm so proud to have produced these books and can't wait to read them to my own kids. It's wonderful seeing the children's reaction to them here today."

Little Kya has severe arthritis and an eye condition but on today's visit seems more concerned with showing Pete her lucky bear.

Also on the ward is nine-yearold budding footballer Cameron Papantonaou from Grays, Essex. He gives Pete a flash of his trademark grin and tells him he thinks he is "really cool".

But behind the smiles, little Cameron is also fighting off a rare and life-threatening muscle condition.

Dad Lambros, who chats away to fellow Greek Peter, explains: "We went back and forth to the doctors as we knew our little lad wasn't well. At first they dismissed it as a virus but when his legs got so painful and turned purple we knew something was really wrong.

"When we found out about the condition we were petrified but as soon as we arrived at Great Ormond Street the doctors and nurses completely put our minds at rest. It's reassuring to know we're in the best possible place.